Vintage Stratocasters are known for their warm, mellow tone. This is partly due to the way the pickups are set up. Vintage Strat pickups are typically set lower than modern pickups. This gives them a less compressed sound with more sustain.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how high to set vintage Strat pickups. The best height will vary depending on the individual guitar and player. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.
- Start with the neck pickup. The neck pickup is responsible for the guitar’s low-end sound. To get a good balance of brightness and warmth, start with the neck pickup about 2-3 millimeters (0.08-0.12 inches) above the strings.
- Adjust the middle pickup. The middle pickup is the most versatile pickup on a Stratocaster. It can be used to produce a variety of sounds, from bright and trebly to warm and mellow. A good starting point is to set the middle pickup about 1-2 millimeters (0.04-0.08 inches) above the strings.
- Raise the bridge pickup. The bridge pickup is responsible for the guitar’s high-end sound. To get a bright, jangly sound, raise the bridge pickup about 3-4 millimeters (0.12-0.16 inches) above the strings.
Once you have set the pickup heights, experiment with different settings until you find the sound that you like best. It is important to note that the pickup height sweet spot will also vary depending on the string gauge. With thicker strings, you will need to raise the pickups slightly to compensate for the increased mass of the strings.
Here are some additional tips for adjusting the pickup height on a vintage Stratocaster:
- Use a feeler gauge to measure the distance between the pickup pole pieces and the strings. This will help you to ensure that the pickups are set evenly.
- Be careful not to overtighten the pickup mounting screws. This can damage the pickup or the guitar body.
- If you are not sure where to start, try using the recommended pickup heights from the manufacturer.
With a little experimentation, you can find the vintage Strat pickup height that produces the perfect tone for your playing style.
Here are some additional things to consider when adjusting pickup height:
- The type of pickups you have. Different pickups will have different sweet spots.
- The type of music you play. The pickup height sweet spot will vary depending on the genre of music you play.
- Your personal preferences. The best pickup height is the one that you like the best.
Experimentation is the key to finding the perfect pickup height. Don’t be afraid to try different settings until you find what you are looking for.
